Moyes to leave Everton; wants to join United

By ROB HARRIS, AP Sports Writer
| 7:39 a.m.May 9, 2013

FILE - This is a April 22, 2012 file photo of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, left, and Everton manager David Moyes during the Manchester United and Everton match at Old Trafford Manchester England . Everton said Thursday May 9, 2013 that its manager David Moyes is leaving the club at the end of the season and wants to replace Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. While United has not yet made an announcement on who will succeed Ferguson at Old Trafford, the statement from Everto
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FILE - This is a April 22, 2012 file photo of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, left, and Everton manager David Moyes during the Manchester United and Everton match at Old Trafford Manchester England . Everton said Thursday May 9, 2013 that its manager David Moyes is leaving the club at the end of the season and wants to replace Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. While United has not yet made an announcement on who will succeed Ferguson at Old Trafford, the statement from Everto
/ AP

In this Sunday May 5, 2013 photo, Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson takes to the touchline before his team's English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England. Ferguson will step down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season after 26 years in charge. (AP Photo/Jon Super)— AP

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In this Sunday May 5, 2013 photo, Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson takes to the touchline before his team's English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England. Ferguson will step down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season after 26 years in charge. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
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In this Sunday May 5, 2013 photo, Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson walks from the pitch after his team's English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England. Ferguson will step down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season after 26 years in charge. (AP Photo/Jon Super)— AP

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In this Sunday May 5, 2013 photo, Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson walks from the pitch after his team's English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England. Ferguson will step down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season after 26 years in charge. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
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A merchandise seller walks in front of a poster at Manchester United's Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Thursday May 9, 2013. It was announced on May 8 that long serving manager Alex Ferguson would soon be retiring after 26 years in charge at the club. (AP Photo/Jon Super)— AP

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A merchandise seller walks in front of a poster at Manchester United's Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Thursday May 9, 2013. It was announced on May 8 that long serving manager Alex Ferguson would soon be retiring after 26 years in charge at the club. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
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FILE - This is a Saturday Oct. 29, 2011 file photo of Everton manager David Moyes as he looks on before their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Goodison Park, Liverpool, England. Everton said Thursday May 9, 2013 that its manager David Moyes is leaving the club at the end of the season and wants to replace Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. While United has not yet made an announcement on who will succeed Ferguson at Old Trafford, the statement from Everton cle— AP

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FILE - This is a Saturday Oct. 29, 2011 file photo of Everton manager David Moyes as he looks on before their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Goodison Park, Liverpool, England. Everton said Thursday May 9, 2013 that its manager David Moyes is leaving the club at the end of the season and wants to replace Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. While United has not yet made an announcement on who will succeed Ferguson at Old Trafford, the statement from Everton cle
/ AP

FILE - This is a Tuesday Feb. 26, 2013 file photo of Everton's manager David Moyes as he takes to the touchline before his team's English FA Cup fifth round replay soccer match against Oldham at Goodison Park Stadium, Liverpool, England. Everton said Thursday May 9, 2013 that its manager David Moyes is leaving the club at the end of the season and wants to replace Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. While United has not yet made an announcement on who will succeed Ferguson at Old Trafford, t— AP

+Read Caption

FILE - This is a Tuesday Feb. 26, 2013 file photo of Everton's manager David Moyes as he takes to the touchline before his team's English FA Cup fifth round replay soccer match against Oldham at Goodison Park Stadium, Liverpool, England. Everton said Thursday May 9, 2013 that its manager David Moyes is leaving the club at the end of the season and wants to replace Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. While United has not yet made an announcement on who will succeed Ferguson at Old Trafford, t
/ AP

MANCHESTER, England 
David Moyes is leaving Everton after the season and wants to replace Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United.

While United has not yet announced Ferguson's successor at Old Trafford, the statement from Everton on Thursday clears the way for Moyes to be hired by the Premier League champions.

Everton says on its website it "can confirm" that Moyes will be leaving. The team adds that Moyes met with chairman Bill Kenwright and "confirmed his desire to join Manchester United."

Ferguson said Wednesday he is retiring at the end of the season after more than 27 years in charge at United.

Moyes has never won a major trophy in his coaching career but should help ensure a smooth transition between Scotsmen at United.

The 50-year-old Moyes has shown loyalty and staying power in his 11 years with Everton - attributes that should suit him well in his next job. United is trying to avoid any radical changes to its structure after Ferguson joins the boardroom when the season ends.